F2 off to big start, eyes 2nd PSL win vs Sta Lucia

MANILA, Philippines — F2 Logistics launched its bid in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix without prized import Lindsay Stalzer and key locals Cha Cruz Behag and Kianna Dy but the Cargo Movers showed they have enough ammo to put up a winning performance.

Left to carry much load as F2’s lone import, Becky Perry poured 17 attacks, three blocks and two aces on her debut but also got needed support from the Filipino troopers as the Cargo Movers turned back Cignal HD, 26-24, 21-25, 25-21, 25-14, to go 1-0 in the season-opening conference Tuesday night.

“It says a lot that we can win against a team that has two of their imports “ said Perry, whose short-handed squad spoiled the 29-point explosion of Cignal’s Erica Wilson and the 13-point effort of Anastasia Artameva.  

Perry’s partner Stalzer is only expected to be in by next week upon completion of her stint in the Indonesian Proliga.

Behag and Dy also sat it out on account of injuries but the rest of the Pinay cast proved up to the task, with Michelle Morente stepping up with 15 markers to backstop Perry and Ara Galang and Dawn Macandili anchoring the floor defense with a combined 35 digs and 21 receptions.

“During the second and third sets I was personally struggling a bit and  Michelle really carried the team,” said Perry. “I feel like it’s the strength of the team – we work together and it doesn’t matter if we don’t have the whole team yet. This is exciting because when we do have them it’s going to be much stronger.”

The Cargo Movers face another tough test today as they gun for win no. 2 and the solo lead against dangerous Sta. Lucia (1-1) at Filoil Flying V Center.

After winning their first assignment, the Lady Realtors blew a two-set lead in a 25-15, 25-12, 17-25, 22-25, 9-15 heartbreaker to United Volleyball Club Tuesday and go into the 4:15 p.m. duel determined to get back on track and pull off an upset.

Meanwhile, defending champion Petron also shoots for 2-0 in its 7 p.m. showdown with a Generika Ayala side (0-1) that might play without one of its imports, Nikole del Rio. The Brazilian sprained an ankle in their loss to Sta. Lucia.

“It’s going to be a tough game; their spikers, both the imports and the locals, are really good,” cautioned Petron coach Shaq delos Santos, who has at his disposal probably the best pair in Stephanie Niemer and Katherine Bell. “They might play with just one import but we will expect and prepare for two foreign players.”

Lifesavers coach Sherwin Meneses expects his Phl crew of Marivic Meneses, Fiola Ceballos and Patty Orendain to go all out to help Kseniya Kocyvit.